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Author Topic:   OptiMax or E-TEC

Moby Dick posted 06-23-2009 03:14 PM ET (US)
I think my 1979 Johnson 100-HP needs to be retired. Seemed to be making a strange noise at 4,000-RPM and wouldn't idle at the minimum throttle position. I've been thinking E-TEC but would like to know how the 90 OptiMax measures up. I'm putting this on my 1978 Montauk. How do the two compare on price and fuel mileage? I looked on Ed's and see the Merury sells for $6,900 versus $6,800 for the E-TEC. I've heard Ed's price isn't realistic and doesn't include controls and installation. Anyone have help on actual installed prices and the reliability of the new OptimMax's.
Tom W Clark posted 06-23-2009 04:10 PM ET (US)
The 375 pound OptiMax 90 is the heaviest two stroke in its class, a little too heavy for the Montauk.
The 320 pound E-TEC 90 is a much better fit for the classic 16'-7" Whaler models.
Buckda posted 06-23-2009 04:14 PM ET (US)
Rich -
E-TEC is worth it if only for the "use it when you want it" ability provided by the self-winterization feature. Where you are, you may want to do some early spring fishing for steelhead off St. Joseph, but then wouldn't use it again for a month or more. No problem, you can re-winterize it at the ramp there in St. Joe or Benton Harbor and put it back in the garage. No guilt about missing the rare beautiful late fall day either. Pop it out of the garage and go after some late season bass in Paw Paw Lake and then re-winterize it at the ramp and put her back in the garage for the winter.
That said, I'm not sure about dealer support in the area. Mercury seems to have an excellent network in the immediate vicinity. Evinrude service may be more difficult to find.
Ed's pricing is about 1,500 - 2,000 off the installed ballpark price for Michigan and N. Indiana.
Dave
L H G posted 06-23-2009 04:39 PM ET (US)
You can get a Mercury OptiMax 90 for $5,995 at Jacosmarine.com.
Bass Pro Adventure Worlds has a "won't be beat" price matching policy these days, so take Jaco's price to them for the $5,995 match. It's a good price, and the engine is not too heavy for a Montauk, since Boston Whaler factory installed 388-lbs Yamaha-mad Mercury 90's on the Montauk for several years. It does look a little big, however, but for the price saving and excellent fuel economy, it's worth it.
Buckda posted 06-23-2009 04:47 PM ET (US)
If the 375 lbs isn't too heavy, you should consider a 115 HP E-TEC. Forum Member Matt Bosch has one on his 1978 Montauk and is very happy with it and the economy/performance. I can tell you that it is not overloaded in terms of weight - so if you decide to go with the Merc 90 (OptiMax) as detailed by LHG, then it should not be a problem in terms of the boat handling the weight, as he said.
You planning to buy from Wolf's?
Moby Dick posted 06-23-2009 09:37 PM ET (US)
Dave.......Wolf no longer sells Evinrudes. The nearest dealers are in Kazoo(Leaders) and Decatur (High's). I'm going to spend some time researching before I buy. I know you've had great luck with your E-tecs. I'm also looking at the Suzuki's as well. It's a real shock to price a motor that sells for more than my Montauk, motor and trailer did new in 1978. My 100 HP Johnson was $2400, the boat $4200 and the trailer $700. I heard the Opti's are good on fuel but didn't know they were that heavy, although that doesn't seem to much for a "dry Montauk". The new motors must be heavier from the pollution equipment as my 100 weighed 293 Lbs.
Rich
sosmerc posted 06-24-2009 12:19 AM ET (US)
I have a number of customers that run the 3 cylinder Optimax on their 17ft. Whalers. No problem with the weight...it's a good match.
Buckda posted 06-24-2009 09:29 AM ET (US)
Rich -
I know - Wolf's is a Mercury/Yamaha retailer. I assumed you were leaning to Mercury because of availability of solid service locally. Evinrude has a big hole until you get to Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids - think Gun Lake; although if you're willing to travel, I recommend Lockman's in Detroit for best service and overall experience.
Anyway, good luck with the decision. I would also recommend going ahead and replacing all controls and gauges when you do this. The new controls are much smoother than what you have on there now, and the smartcraft/I-Command systems are excellent and fun to use.
Let us know what you choose.
One other consideration - you may not have a standard mounting for your 1979 motor. Are the lower bolts visible in the splashwell? You may also consider adding a jack plate (add $350) to make mounting the new motor easier and not drill new holes in your transom. That added weight tips the scales in favor of E-TEC.
Also, for E-TEC, you may wish to consider rigging it yourself. I can't speak for OptiMax, but with the Evinrude, it is as easy as pie.
Buckda posted 06-24-2009 10:11 AM ET (US)
Rich - Who sells/services Suzuki in that area?
From what I've seen/experienced with Suzuki: Inexpensive (+), Extremely quiet (+), Efficient (+), Heavy (-), a little lacking on performance (top speed) (-). They appear to be excellent motors though.
Tohsgib posted 06-24-2009 12:30 PM ET (US)
I would scratch the top speed pat since my 70 Suzuki keeps up with most 90 E-tecs.
Tohsgib posted 06-24-2009 01:04 PM ET (US)
I meant part..not Pat.
Moby Dick posted 06-24-2009 02:40 PM ET (US)
Dave.....There is a Suzuki dealer in Mishawaka. They are the lightest of the 4 strokes. I believe a 90 weighs 361 lbs.
Buckda posted 06-24-2009 03:31 PM ET (US)
I'm not sure I believe that the 70 HP Suzuki runs any faster than any other 70 HP motor; nor do I believe the implied inverse that the E-TEC 90 runs more like a 70 HP motor than a 90 HP motor.
Are you channeling LHG? :)
Rich -
Go with the dealer whom you trust the most and will give you a reasonable deal. Moving from a 1979 ANYTHING to a 2009 ANYTHING will probably leave you happy. What you need to ensure is that you will stay satisfied in 3-5 years when you do begin to experience some maintenance needs.
Speaking of maintenance...how do you feel about oil changes?
L H G posted 06-24-2009 06:05 PM ET (US)
Here is what you are looking for, Dave!
http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_deeper/head_to_head.php?ID=55& SortBy=Title&Section=outboardChecks&fourStroke75115=12
Tohsgib posted 06-25-2009 11:31 AM ET (US)
Notice Suzuki is not in there.
Buckda posted 06-25-2009 12:36 PM ET (US)
Not what I was looking for...I am speaking from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE with the E-TEC. Rich is nearby, so he is welcome to go for an afternoon of fishing out of Holland with me if he needs to be convinced about the E-TEC.
Dave
Peter posted 06-25-2009 12:39 PM ET (US)
Seems like there is always alot of static and white noise on the LHG channel. The picture always seems distorted. ;)
Moby Dick posted 06-26-2009 12:03 PM ET (US)
Correction......The Suzuki 90HP only weights 341#. Dave...I'll have to take you up on that fishing trip sometime.
Rich
L H G posted 06-26-2009 03:04 PM ET (US)
Better a little "White" static on the LHG Channel than the low power transmission output of the E-tec Channel.
Tohsgib posted 06-26-2009 03:11 PM ET (US)
Dunno Larry...that 250 Verado is not up to snuff compared to Jim's E-Tec at only 44mph.
Peter posted 06-26-2009 03:13 PM ET (US)
"Dunno Larry...that 250 Verado is not up to snuff compared to Jim's E-Tec at only 44mph."

It's that darn distorted picture again. Makes you see things that aren't really there. ;)
L H G posted 06-26-2009 07:44 PM ET (US)
I do know, Nick! [Read BASS & WALLEYE Magazine article about] 250HP engine shootout, which included 2-stroke AND 4-stroke, and in which Evinrude refused to compete (knowing they'd get beat by at least one 4-stroke, the Verado, since their 250HO was not yet in production).
The 250XS Optimax was fastest, as would be expected, Verado 250 next, Suzuki and Yamaha were 3rd and 4th.
jimh posted 06-27-2009 10:04 AM ET (US)
It is wonderful to speculate about things which did not happen in the past or have not yet happened. It is much easier to talk about things that have happened.
Buckda posted 06-28-2009 12:22 PM ET (US)
I especially like the tactic of inserting one's own opinions on the state of mind and motivations for a manufacturer's actions.
To continue on this avenue opened by LHG, I'm really looking forward to talking about how Mercury is showing their greedy-corporate colors by trying to soak Fond Du Lac for tax incentives by threatening to leave to Stillwater Oklahoma. I also want to talk about their deep-seated organizational feelings of inadequacy that stem from them never really earning their way to many transoms. This insecurity comes from being spoon-fed their markeshare by their parent company. I'm sure this dysfunction weighs heavy on their collective psyche....
Good God Larry, you've managed to turn a guy's interest in weighing two very strong repower options into a commentary on why you believe Evinrude is inferior.
Get a grip, man.
fourdfish posted 06-28-2009 08:38 PM ET (US)
Just what you might expect from Larry!
In case your interested, my E-TEC is going great with no problems at close to 4yrs.
How long will that Optimax last before you start having problems.
Dave is right, Merc is trying to screw over Fondulac and the state of Wisconsin. It is all over the news up here.
I say screw them.

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Author	Topic: OptiMax or E-TEC
Moby Dick	posted 06-23-2009 03:14 PM ET (US) I think my 1979 Johnson 100-HP needs to be retired. Seemed to be making a strange noise at 4,000-RPM and wouldn't idle at the minimum throttle position. I've been thinking E-TEC but would like to know how the 90 OptiMax measures up. I'm putting this on my 1978 Montauk. How do the two compare on price and fuel mileage? I looked on Ed's and see the Merury sells for $6,900 versus $6,800 for the E-TEC. I've heard Ed's price isn't realistic and doesn't include controls and installation. Anyone have help on actual installed prices and the reliability of the new OptimMax's.
Tom W Clark	posted 06-23-2009 04:10 PM ET (US) The 375 pound OptiMax 90 is the heaviest two stroke in its class, a little too heavy for the Montauk. The 320 pound E-TEC 90 is a much better fit for the classic 16'-7" Whaler models.
Buckda	posted 06-23-2009 04:14 PM ET (US) Rich - E-TEC is worth it if only for the "use it when you want it" ability provided by the self-winterization feature. Where you are, you may want to do some early spring fishing for steelhead off St. Joseph, but then wouldn't use it again for a month or more. No problem, you can re-winterize it at the ramp there in St. Joe or Benton Harbor and put it back in the garage. No guilt about missing the rare beautiful late fall day either. Pop it out of the garage and go after some late season bass in Paw Paw Lake and then re-winterize it at the ramp and put her back in the garage for the winter. That said, I'm not sure about dealer support in the area. Mercury seems to have an excellent network in the immediate vicinity. Evinrude service may be more difficult to find. Ed's pricing is about 1,500 - 2,000 off the installed ballpark price for Michigan and N. Indiana. Dave
L H G	posted 06-23-2009 04:39 PM ET (US) You can get a Mercury OptiMax 90 for $5,995 at Jacosmarine.com. Bass Pro Adventure Worlds has a "won't be beat" price matching policy these days, so take Jaco's price to them for the $5,995 match. It's a good price, and the engine is not too heavy for a Montauk, since Boston Whaler factory installed 388-lbs Yamaha-mad Mercury 90's on the Montauk for several years. It does look a little big, however, but for the price saving and excellent fuel economy, it's worth it.
Buckda	posted 06-23-2009 04:47 PM ET (US) If the 375 lbs isn't too heavy, you should consider a 115 HP E-TEC. Forum Member Matt Bosch has one on his 1978 Montauk and is very happy with it and the economy/performance. I can tell you that it is not overloaded in terms of weight - so if you decide to go with the Merc 90 (OptiMax) as detailed by LHG, then it should not be a problem in terms of the boat handling the weight, as he said. You planning to buy from Wolf's?
Moby Dick	posted 06-23-2009 09:37 PM ET (US) Dave.......Wolf no longer sells Evinrudes. The nearest dealers are in Kazoo(Leaders) and Decatur (High's). I'm going to spend some time researching before I buy. I know you've had great luck with your E-tecs. I'm also looking at the Suzuki's as well. It's a real shock to price a motor that sells for more than my Montauk, motor and trailer did new in 1978. My 100 HP Johnson was $2400, the boat $4200 and the trailer $700. I heard the Opti's are good on fuel but didn't know they were that heavy, although that doesn't seem to much for a "dry Montauk". The new motors must be heavier from the pollution equipment as my 100 weighed 293 Lbs. Rich
sosmerc	posted 06-24-2009 12:19 AM ET (US) I have a number of customers that run the 3 cylinder Optimax on their 17ft. Whalers. No problem with the weight...it's a good match.
Buckda	posted 06-24-2009 09:29 AM ET (US) Rich - I know - Wolf's is a Mercury/Yamaha retailer. I assumed you were leaning to Mercury because of availability of solid service locally. Evinrude has a big hole until you get to Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids - think Gun Lake; although if you're willing to travel, I recommend Lockman's in Detroit for best service and overall experience. Anyway, good luck with the decision. I would also recommend going ahead and replacing all controls and gauges when you do this. The new controls are much smoother than what you have on there now, and the smartcraft/I-Command systems are excellent and fun to use. Let us know what you choose. One other consideration - you may not have a standard mounting for your 1979 motor. Are the lower bolts visible in the splashwell? You may also consider adding a jack plate (add $350) to make mounting the new motor easier and not drill new holes in your transom. That added weight tips the scales in favor of E-TEC. Also, for E-TEC, you may wish to consider rigging it yourself. I can't speak for OptiMax, but with the Evinrude, it is as easy as pie.
Buckda	posted 06-24-2009 10:11 AM ET (US) Rich - Who sells/services Suzuki in that area? From what I've seen/experienced with Suzuki: Inexpensive (+), Extremely quiet (+), Efficient (+), Heavy (-), a little lacking on performance (top speed) (-). They appear to be excellent motors though.
Tohsgib	posted 06-24-2009 12:30 PM ET (US) I would scratch the top speed pat since my 70 Suzuki keeps up with most 90 E-tecs.
Tohsgib	posted 06-24-2009 01:04 PM ET (US) I meant part..not Pat.
Moby Dick	posted 06-24-2009 02:40 PM ET (US) Dave.....There is a Suzuki dealer in Mishawaka. They are the lightest of the 4 strokes. I believe a 90 weighs 361 lbs.
Buckda	posted 06-24-2009 03:31 PM ET (US) I'm not sure I believe that the 70 HP Suzuki runs any faster than any other 70 HP motor; nor do I believe the implied inverse that the E-TEC 90 runs more like a 70 HP motor than a 90 HP motor. Are you channeling LHG? :) Rich - Go with the dealer whom you trust the most and will give you a reasonable deal. Moving from a 1979 ANYTHING to a 2009 ANYTHING will probably leave you happy. What you need to ensure is that you will stay satisfied in 3-5 years when you do begin to experience some maintenance needs. Speaking of maintenance...how do you feel about oil changes?
L H G	posted 06-24-2009 06:05 PM ET (US) Here is what you are looking for, Dave! http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_deeper/head_to_head.php?ID=55& SortBy=Title&Section=outboardChecks&fourStroke75115=12
Tohsgib	posted 06-25-2009 11:31 AM ET (US) Notice Suzuki is not in there.
Buckda	posted 06-25-2009 12:36 PM ET (US) Not what I was looking for...I am speaking from PERSONAL EXPERIENCE with the E-TEC. Rich is nearby, so he is welcome to go for an afternoon of fishing out of Holland with me if he needs to be convinced about the E-TEC. Dave
Peter	posted 06-25-2009 12:39 PM ET (US) Seems like there is always alot of static and white noise on the LHG channel. The picture always seems distorted. ;)
Moby Dick	posted 06-26-2009 12:03 PM ET (US) Correction......The Suzuki 90HP only weights 341#. Dave...I'll have to take you up on that fishing trip sometime. Rich
L H G	posted 06-26-2009 03:04 PM ET (US) Better a little "White" static on the LHG Channel than the low power transmission output of the E-tec Channel.
Tohsgib	posted 06-26-2009 03:11 PM ET (US) Dunno Larry...that 250 Verado is not up to snuff compared to Jim's E-Tec at only 44mph.
Peter	posted 06-26-2009 03:13 PM ET (US) "Dunno Larry...that 250 Verado is not up to snuff compared to Jim's E-Tec at only 44mph." It's that darn distorted picture again. Makes you see things that aren't really there. ;)
L H G	posted 06-26-2009 07:44 PM ET (US) I do know, Nick! [Read BASS & WALLEYE Magazine article about] 250HP engine shootout, which included 2-stroke AND 4-stroke, and in which Evinrude refused to compete (knowing they'd get beat by at least one 4-stroke, the Verado, since their 250HO was not yet in production). The 250XS Optimax was fastest, as would be expected, Verado 250 next, Suzuki and Yamaha were 3rd and 4th.
jimh	posted 06-27-2009 10:04 AM ET (US) It is wonderful to speculate about things which did not happen in the past or have not yet happened. It is much easier to talk about things that have happened.
Buckda	posted 06-28-2009 12:22 PM ET (US) I especially like the tactic of inserting one's own opinions on the state of mind and motivations for a manufacturer's actions. To continue on this avenue opened by LHG, I'm really looking forward to talking about how Mercury is showing their greedy-corporate colors by trying to soak Fond Du Lac for tax incentives by threatening to leave to Stillwater Oklahoma. I also want to talk about their deep-seated organizational feelings of inadequacy that stem from them never really earning their way to many transoms. This insecurity comes from being spoon-fed their markeshare by their parent company. I'm sure this dysfunction weighs heavy on their collective psyche.... Good God Larry, you've managed to turn a guy's interest in weighing two very strong repower options into a commentary on why you believe Evinrude is inferior. Get a grip, man.
fourdfish	posted 06-28-2009 08:38 PM ET (US) Just what you might expect from Larry! In case your interested, my E-TEC is going great with no problems at close to 4yrs. How long will that Optimax last before you start having problems. Dave is right, Merc is trying to screw over Fondulac and the state of Wisconsin. It is all over the news up here. I say screw them.